About Us

Serving Those Who Have Served Us at Every Turn

The mission of PTSD Dogs and Tags of Wyoming is to assist people suffering from PTSD/TBI. We are committed to finding and training dogs for companionship and support for PTSD/ TBI victims in their daily living. Dogs & Tags goal is to work alongside therapists to ensure all needs are met, so that the individual and their dog may be successful.

Since 2015, PTSD Dogs and Tags has proudly operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving military veterans living with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Our mission is to assist these heroes by training service dogs that help enhance their quality of life and support them in their daily activities.

We understand that the average cost of securing a service dog ranges between $20,000 and $60,000—a financial burden that many veterans and their families simply cannot shoulder. At Dogs and Tags, we believe that every veteran deserves the companionship and support of a service dog, regardless of their financial situation.

Dogs and Tags offers grants when available, generously donated by various organizations in our area that want to assist veterans with the cost of a service dog. These grants may come and go and are not always accessible, so we encourage individuals and local organizations to remember that your donations go directly to helping veterans secure their service dogs, even at our reduced cost.

We strive to make obtaining a service dog accessible and affordable for low-income veterans who rely on benefits. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life with the aid of a specially trained service dog.

Join us in our mission to support veterans by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

For many people living with PTSD, especially veterans, a service dog can be more than support — they can become a steady, comforting presence through the hardest moments of the day. These dogs are often by their handler’s side from morning to night, offering quiet reassurance, companionship, and a sense of safety that can be deeply healing.

Some service dogs are paired with veterans who already know the tasks they need, while others are trained gradually by their owners as trust and understanding grow. Over time, this bond can become incredibly meaningful.

A service dog can help ground someone during moments of anxiety or distress, ease feelings of hypervigilance, and bring a calming sense of reality when the world feels overwhelming. They can also make everyday life feel a little more manageable by encouraging movement, creating gentle social boundaries, and helping their handler navigate stressful situations with greater confidence.

Meet The Trainers

Paula Cooke

Founder, Board President, Master Trainer

Paula Cooke is a Certified AKC Good Canine Good Citizen instructor. IAPC Certified Member, she has attended multiple Karon Pryor Clicker Training Expo's. Association of Service Dogs Providers conferences and many other educational workshops over the years to further her education. She has spent more than 20 years creating well-balanced family companions. Paula trained in Texas in 2012 and became a Master Trainer in obedience and behavior training. She later expanded her skills into nose work and scent detection.

Her passion for service dog training grew in 2014, and over the years, she has continued to deepen her knowledge in all areas of service dog development and training. In 2015, Paula founded the nonprofit PTSD Dogs and Tags of Wyoming to help people living with PTSD access the support and independence a service dog can provide. Paula’s work is rooted in compassion, service, and a commitment to strengthening both individuals and the wider community.

Candace Meis

Certified Professional Trainer, Vice President

Candace Meis is an Army veteran who came to Wyoming K-9 through Dogs and Tags, our affiliated nonprofit service dog program. She has been training with us since 2017 and is a Certified Professional Trainer. Candace has a true passion for working with dogs and enjoys helping clients build stronger bonds with their canine companions through training, trust, and communication. Candace has a passion for working with service dogs and their handlers. She continues to expand her knowledge by working with experienced trainers and attending conferences and seminars across the United States. At Wyoming K9 Training Academy, we believe education never stops — there is always more to learn, and no one knows everything. That commitment to ongoing growth and guidance shapes everything we do. Her handsome service dog, Merlin, also helps out with training!

Meet the Board Members

Board President - Paula Cooke

Board Vice President - Candace Meis